Elk River Dance Team’s season has ended short of state for the first time since 2006 despite a good effort at sectionals, especially in dance.

The ERDT, hosting the Section 3AAA meet Saturday, placed fifth in high-kick and eighth in jazz among 12 schools. The top three in each advance.
From left, Jenna Murney, Sadie Martin, and Chelsea Fechner performed in high-kick, in which the Elks placed fifth among 12 teams. (Photo by Bruce Strand)

“Even though we are not going to state, we are so proud of them. They did the best they could,” said coach Katie Bruck, “We never gave up. What happened before had nothing to do with what we could to today.”A

After slipping to seventh place in the conference this year, the ERDT was a long shot in its bid for a fifth straight state appearance.

“We definitely made some changes the last two weeks to get our scores up, and I think it worked,” said Bruck.

ERDT changed formations and sequences and choreography in the beginning for a more visual look in the high kick, and sharpened their turns in the jazz routine.

They turned in their best performance in the biggest meet but it was not enough as other teams got the well-deserved nods for state trips.

The Blaine Bengalettes were champions in both high-kick and jazz. Anoka placed second and Duluth East third in jazz. Brainerd placed second and St. Cloud Tech third in high-kick.
ERDT members including (from left) Marissa Alexy, Anna Ryan, Jadie Jopp, Allie Werner, and Gretchen Brown stood in formation at the outset of their jazz routine. (Photo by Bruce Strand)